Wire-stretcher



(No Model.)

IDE;

7 WIRE STRBTGHBR.

Patented Sept. 5-, 189-3 I 93 9 16p Jz-z reaz L18,

. by which wires may be readily stretched to- UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

ALFRED IDE, OF MEDINA, NEW YORK.

WlRE-STRETCHER.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 504,353, dated September 5, 1893. Application filed July 12, I893- Serial No. 480,275- (No model.)

' wire stretchers.

The object of the present invention is to simplify and improve the construction of wire stretchers and to provide an inexpensive one the desired tension and which will permit the wires to be readily loosened if'desired.

The invention consists in the construction and novel combination and arrangement of parts hereinafter fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawings and pointed out in the claims hereto appended.

In the drawings:-Figure 1 is a side elevation of a fence provided with wire stretchers constructed in accordance with this invention. Fig. 2 is a detail perspective view of a wire stretcher. Fig. 3 is a side view of the same. Fig. 4 is a rear elevation.

Like numerals of reference designate corresponding parts in all the figures of the drawings.

1 designates a bracket constructed of suitable metal and mounted on a post 2, of a fence, and provided with outwardly extending sides or flanges 3, having open bearings 4, in which is journaled a shaft 5, which is held in the open bearings of the bracket by the tension of a fence wire 6. Each fence wire 6, of the fence passes through perforations of the post 2 and a post 7; it has one end cushioned by a spiral spring 8, which is horizontally mounted in a socket of the fence post 7 and its other end is attached to the shaft 5, by being passed through a perforation thereof.

The shaft 5, is provided with annular flanges 9, to prevent its moving longitudinally in the bearings; it has one end squared or of other polygonal shape to adapt it to be readily grasped by a wrench or similar tool for turning the shaft; and the latter is provided at the outer sides of the flanges 9, with ratchet teeth 10, arranged to engage teeth 11, of the bracket, and the tension of the wire holds the shaft in engagement with the teeth with sufficient force to prevent the shaft from unwinding and loosening the wire. The back of the bracket is open and is provided with ears 12, to enable the bracket to be readily secured to the fence post by screws or other I fastening devices. The spiral springs 8, which are mounted on the post 7, permit the fence wires to expand and contract from the heat of summer and the cold of winter without becoming loose or broken. Should it become necessary to loosen the fence wires, the shaft may be readily forced outward out of engage: ment with the teeth 11, by a claw hammer or similar tool, which is inserted between the shaft and the back of the bracket, and which is adapted to force the shaft outward.

It will be readily apparent that the wire stretcher is simplev and comparatively inexpensive in construction, that it is strong and durable, and that it is capable of enabling fence wires to be readily maintained at the desired tension. 7

Changes in the form, proportion and the minor details of construction may be resorted to without departing from the principle or sacrificing any of the advantages of this in- Vention.

' Having described my invention, what I claim is 1. In a wire stretcher, the combination of a bracket having outwardly extending sides, provided with open bearings, and having arranged therein at the back thereof outwardly extending teeth, and a shaft arranged in the open bearings and provided at each end with a series of ratchet teeth to engage the tooth of the adjacent bearing, substantially as described.

2. In a wire stretcher, the combination of in the adjacent bearing andengagingthe tooth to a bracket having outwardly extending sides, thereof, substantially as described. provided with open bearings, and having in In testimony that I claim the foregoing as each of the bearings at the back thereof an my own I have hereto afiixed my signature in integral outwardly projecting tooth, and a the presence of two witnesses.

shaft arranged in the bearings and provided ALFRED IDE. with flanges at the inner faces of the sides of Witnesses;

the bracket and having at the outer side of W. H. WILMOTH,

each flange a series of ratchet teeth arranged FRANK CARPENTER. 

